Hidalgo County Courthouse to Reopen This Friday

The Hidalgo County Courthouse will reopen on Friday, September 4, after a vehicle caused damage by crashing into the building. Temporary entrances have been established for the public and employees, as the main entrance remains closed while repairs continue. After assessing the building and consulting with engineers, county officials concluded that the courthouse can safely reopen to the public. Visitors will be able to access the building from the north side of Closner Boulevard or from the south side of 12th Avenue and follow the path on the north side of the building to the temporary entrance located on the west side. Operating hours will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Friday. Judicial operations and other county services offered within the building will also resume. The Hidalgo County Clerk's Office will continue to provide marriage license services at its temporary location in the County Clerk's Records Administration Center, located at 317 N. Closner Blvd., in Edinburg. Residents will also be able to use this location to submit and pick up documents that need to be registered. For questions related to the County Clerk's Office, please contact the following numbers: General information and records line for the County Clerk: (956) 318-2100; Marriage license information line: (956) 292-7634.

Pharr International Bridge Expansion Set to Begin Phased Truck Operations

The Pharr International Bridge is set to begin phased truck operations on its expanded crossing in mid-September, with a grand opening scheduled for November 12. Bridge Director Luis Bazan announced that two lanes will initially open for trucks traveling to and from Mexico, while maintenance on the existing bridge will take place for about three weeks. The Mexican side has been ready for the expansion for over a year and a half. The project aims to enhance capacity at this key commercial crossing, supporting international trade and the local economy. Plans for a fourth Truck Expo next year are also in the works.

Gloomy Outlook: Earth Will Soon Exceed Key Global Warming Limit, According to the UN

In a strategic retreat in the fight against climate change, the UN has acknowledged that the Earth has lost its chance to avoid some of the worst impacts of global warming. Now, the world must figure out how to bring temperatures down from the danger zone and back to safety, officials say. The Earth is set to soon surpass the safe temperature threshold agreed upon in the 2015 Paris climate pact due to warming caused by the burning of coal, oil, and gas, according to a grim report, the first of its kind, published Wednesday by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Instead of giving up, scientists and UN officials recommend trying to limit excessive warming and then work to bring temperatures back down to the agreed threshold. However, this will still mean decades of increased climate-related disasters, rising sea levels, extinctions, and melting ice and glaciers. "Humanity is speeding past the limit to avoid a climate catastrophe," stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

ICE Agent Accused of Lying About Events Leading to Shooting of Venezuelan, According to AP

Federal prosecutors have accused a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent of lying to investigators about the events that led to the shooting of a Venezuelan during a migration enforcement operation in Minneapolis earlier this year, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press. The individual, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation and spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that Christian Castro, the agent who allegedly shot Julio Cesar Sosa Celis in the leg in January, has been charged with making false statements to federal investigators. The federal charges come after Castro was released from jail last week, following Texas Governor's refusal to immediately sign an extradition order to hand him over to Minnesota authorities, who have separately charged him with assault and filing a false report related to the same shooting. Federal authorities initially charged Sosa Celis and another man with hitting an agent with a broomstick and a snow shovel during the confrontation. However, federal prosecutors dropped the charges against the men after video evidence suggested that the agents may have lied about the incident, prompting authorities to open an investigation.

Police Seek Suspect in Vehicle Theft Investigations in McAllen

The McAllen Police Department is asking for the community's help in locating a suspect linked to two investigations involving alleged vehicle thefts. The incidents occurred on August 24 in a parking lot located in the 200 block of Highway 83. Both victims reported that personal belongings were stolen from inside their vehicles. McAllen police investigators identified the suspect as Jesús Manuel Treviño. A McAllen Municipal Court magistrate determined that there is probable cause to issue arrest warrants against him for two counts of vehicle theft, a state felony. Jesús Manuel Treviño is 43 years old, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighs around 160 pounds, has black hair, brown eyes, and his last known address is in Pharr, Texas. Notably, the suspect has distinctive tattoos on his face and neck. Anyone with information related to these crimes can contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at 956-687-TIPS (8477). Reports can be made anonymously. Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.

Disney Channel Star Carla Jeffery Dies at 33

Carla Jeffery, best known for her role in the Disney Channel movie franchise 'Zombies,' passed away on Tuesday. She was 33 years old. Jeffery's representative, Carla Alexander, shared the news in a post on the actress's Instagram account on Wednesday night. 'It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffery, who died on September 1, 2026, at just 33 years old,' the statement read.

Stabbing victim in Times Square was a new mother who died on her first day back at work

NEW YORK — The woman who was fatally stabbed in Times Square was a new mother who had just completed her first day back at work after maternity leave when she became the victim of an unprovoked attack, according to her family. Erin Piacenti, 32, a vice president at Bank of America, was walking through the busy tourist area in the heart of Manhattan on Monday night when she was stabbed in the abdomen. She was pronounced dead shortly after at a hospital. Piacenti is survived by her husband and her 5-month-old daughter, Madison. Relatives have set up a fundraising campaign to support the baby.

Juego de Villanos, Telemundo's New Reality Show Premiering in October

Telemundo is set to launch 'Juego de Villanos,' its first adaptation of the international hit 'House of Villains,' featuring 18 controversial personalities competing in a series of strategic challenges. Contestants will face eliminations while vying for the title of 'Supreme Villain' and a cash prize of $200,000. Javier Pons, Chief Content Officer at Telemundo, emphasized the show's innovative approach to reality television. The series will air Monday through Friday and Sundays, with streaming available on Peacock the following day. The program will also be broadcast across Latin America via Telemundo Internacional and is eligible for a tax incentive in Colombia.

Trump says he will campaign for Republicans in 35 races, including Texas

Former President Donald Trump announced his commitment to campaign for Republican candidates in 35 races this fall, ahead of the November midterm elections. During a White House dinner with Republican Congress members, Trump stated he would dedicate the last 30 days to these contests, including supporting Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Democrat James Talarico for a Senate seat. Trump emphasized he would not campaign for candidates with secure leads and noted his super PAC, MAGA Inc., has over $400 million available to support these efforts. He insists the midterms do not personally affect him as he is not a candidate.

Gloria Steinem, Icon of the Feminist Movement, Dies at 92

Gloria Steinem, a prominent journalist and activist in the feminist movement, passed away at the age of 92 in her New York City home, surrounded by loved ones. Known for her aviator glasses and iconic hairstyle, Steinem dedicated her life to advocating for women's rights, including reproductive freedom and gender equality in the workplace. She co-founded Ms. Magazine in 1972, which remains influential today. Steinem's activism spanned decades, and she continued to speak out on various issues even into her 80s. Her legacy includes inspiring future generations to pursue social change.

Lindsay Clancy Trial: Jury Deliberates for Sixth Day with No Signs of Consensus

The jury in Lindsay Clancy's trial is continuing deliberations for the sixth day without reaching a consensus. They have informed the judge twice that they are unable to agree on whether Clancy is criminally responsible for the deaths of her three children. Clancy, a 36-year-old former obstetric nurse, admits to strangling her children but claims postpartum psychosis influenced her actions. The prosecution argues she was aware of her actions. The trial has garnered significant public interest, with a packed courtroom. If the jury cannot reach a verdict, the judge may declare a mistrial, prompting the prosecution to decide on next steps.

Maduro and Cilia Flores Claim Immunity; Request Dismissal of Charges in the U.S.

Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have requested a judge to dismiss drug trafficking charges against them, claiming immunity as the president and first lady of Venezuela. In documents filed in a Manhattan federal court, their lawyers argued that U.S. law mandates the dismissal of charges against a recognized foreign leader. The couple is scheduled for trial on June 1, 2027, after being captured in Caracas and brought to New York. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which could result in life sentences if convicted. Federal prosecutors are expected to respond to the dismissal motion later this month.

Immigrant rights group seeks to block use of federal databases it says could purge legal voters

2 people were killed and suspect is dead in downtown Minneapolis shooting

Rio Grande City using traps, tracking software to tackle stray dog concerns

Prosecutors weigh death penalty for Edinburg mother accused of killing her children

956 vs. 210: County judges put wardrobes on the line for UTRGV-UTSA matchup

Neighbors mourn San Juan man who drowned in canal

Rio Grande Valley irrigation districts secure millions in funding to convert canals, save water

Team of the Week winner: Week 1-Raymondville Bearkats

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — After an exciting week one of high school football, the Rio Grande Valley has voted for its first team of the week of the 2026 season. The Raymondville Bearkats took home the title with 1,050 total votes, or 46% of the vote. McAllen Memorial came in second with 914 votes, or